Basketball Game

ABSTRACT

A basketball game structure, including a frame including a goal end, which includes a basketball goal with a backboard and a hoop, the basketball goal positioned over the ramp, a shooting end opposite the goal end, and the ramp including a padding formed around a trench, the ramp extending from the goal end to the shooting end and positioned lower at the shooting end than the goal end, wherein a basketball net extends from the hoop to a junction with the trench; and wherein the trench extends from the junction to the shooting end of the frame.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to basketball, and more particularly to abasketball game.

Basketball is a sport played by two teams of five players on arectangular court. The objective is to shoot a ball through a hoop 18inches (46 cm) in diameter and 10 feet (3.048 m) high mounted to abackboard at each end. Basketball is one of the world's most popular andwidely viewed sports.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a basketball gamestructure, including a frame including a goal end, which includes abasketball goal with a backboard and a hoop, the basketball goalpositioned over the ramp, a shooting end opposite the goal end, and theramp including a padding formed around a trench, the ramp extending fromthe goal end to the shooting end and positioned lower at the shootingend than the goal end, wherein a basketball net extends from the hoop toa junction with the trench; and wherein the trench extends from thejunction to the shooting end of the frame.

Additional embodiments of the present invention relate to a method ofplaying a basketball game, including providing a predetermined number ofbasketballs, receiving at least one basketball in the frame, separatinga made basketball by providing a net extending from the hoop to atrench, wherein the trench has a non-opaque covering, wherein a madebasketball passes through a hoop of the goal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram representation of a side view of a right wallof a frame body of a basketball game in accordance with the principlesof the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an off-center view of the frame from the shooting endof the frame, in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates return arms of the frame in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a block-level diagram of a method of playing thebasketball game in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of theinvention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in whichthe invention may be practiced. The detailed description includesspecific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understandingof the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart that the invention may be practiced without these specific details.In some instances, well known structures and components are shown inblock diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of theinvention.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Aspects ofthe invention were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “about” used to refer to anumber means plus or minus one to the last reported digit. For example,about 1.0 meters means 0.9 to 1.1 meters.

All orientation dependent directions, such as up, down, top, bottom,etc. are given for convenience and are relative to the figures asdisplayed. Therefore, the top of the frame remains the top, even whenthe frame is positioned on its side or upside down.

For the purposes of this disclosure, “and” and “or” shall be construedas conjunctively or disjunctively to provide the broadest disclosure foreach instance of use of “and” and “or.”

Due to the popularity of the game of basketball, basketball shootingchallenges are often popular attractions. Typically, basketball gamesand basketball shooting challenges or games are played with a basketballand a goal. In fact, the basketball shooting game of the presentinvention may be played with a basketball (or ball, herein) and a goal.A basketball is a spherical inflated ball. Basketballs typically rangein size from very small promotional items only a few inches in diameterto extra-large balls nearly a foot in diameter used in trainingexercises to increase the skill of players.

Men's basketballs are generally sized at 75-76 cm (29½-30 in.) incircumference, or 24.1 to 25.0 cm (9.5 to 9.85 inches) in diameter.Women's basketballs are typically sized at 72-74 cm (28½-29 in.) incircumference. Children's basketballs are usually 69-71 cm (27-28 in.)in circumference. Miniature basketballs are often 56-57 cm (22-22.5 in.)in circumference. However, other sizes may be contemplated. Many goalsare sized that the inner diameter of the goal is double the diameter ofa men's basketball. However, goals can be sized such that the innerdiameter of the goal is double the diameter of a correspondingbasketball.

Nearly all basketballs have an inflatable inner rubber bladder,generally wrapped in layers of fiber and then covered with a tackysurface made either from leather (traditional), rubber, or a syntheticcomposite. As in most inflatable balls, there is a small opening thatallows the pressure of the contained air to be increased or decreased.

The surface of the ball is nearly always divided by “ribs” that arerecessed below the surface of the ball in a variety of configurationsand are generally a contrasting color. An orange surface with black ribsand a possible logo is the traditional color scheme of basketballs butthey are sold in various colors. Of course, when the “color” of abasketball is referred to herein, the color may be a single color, acolor scheme, or other combination of multiple colors. For example,traditional orange colored basketballs may be used in embodiments of thepresent invention. Furthermore, green, blue, red, or other solid colorsmay be used. Embodiments even include a red, white, and blue coloredball. Other color schemes are also contemplated so long as the colorschemes distinguish between different sets of basketballs.

Balls are generally designated for indoor use (generally made of leatheror absorbent composites), or all-surface use (generally made of rubberor durable composites, also known as Indoor/Outdoor balls). Indoor ballstend to be considerably more expensive than all-surface balls due tocost of materials. In addition, brand new all-leather indoor balls maybe “broken in” first to achieve optimal grip before use in competition.The abrasiveness of asphalt and the dirt and moisture present in anoutdoor setting will usually ruin an indoor ball within a very shortperiod of time, which is why an indoor/outdoor ball is recommended forrecreational players.

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram representation of a side view of a right wall100 of a frame 101 of the basketball game according to the principles ofthe present invention. As such, a left wall (illustrated as 100′ in FIG.2) of the frame 101 may be present behind frame 101, such that the goal111 and ramp 117 are supported by at least one span of the frame 101between right wall 100 and the left wall 100′. For the purposes of thisdescription, the left wall 100′ of the frame 101 is substantiallysimilar to the right wall 100 of the frame 101. For convenience, thenumbering of the elements of the left wall 100′ of the frame 101 may bedenoted with the same number as the right wall 100 with a prime (e.g.102 a and 102 a′ for corresponding outer posts of the right wall 100 andleft wall 100′, respectively). The frame 101 may comprise any structuresufficient to support a basketball goal 111 and a ramp 117 for returningshot basketballs to a shooting end 105 of the frame 101. Examplematerials for the frame 101 include metals, such as steel, ironaluminum, etc., rigid plastics, such as polyvinylchloride, orcomposites, such as carbon fiber. Other materials or mixtures ofmaterials may be used so long as the frame 101 is capable of supportingthe basketball goal 111 and ramp 117. Frame 101 may also include one ormore return arms (not illustrated in FIG. 1). The frame may comprise agoal end 107 and a shooting end 105 opposite the goal end 107. The goalend 107 may comprise a basketball goal 111 having a backboard 113 and ahoop (or rim) 115. Of course this goal 111 may be positioned over a ramp117, such that a basketball may be returned to the shooting end 105 bygravity after the basketball is shot toward the goal 111.

A basketball goal 111 is a piece of basketball equipment having abackboard 113 orthogonal to a hoop 115. The backboard 113 may include araised vertical board, which may include an attached hoop 115 and net.The backboard 113 may be made of a flat, rigid piece of material, oftenPlexiglas, glass, or rigid plastics. Backboards 113 can be rectangular,as used in NBA, NCAA, and international basketball. However, manybackboards 113 may be oval or a fan-shape, particularly innon-professional games.

Today most professional backboards 113 are made of a glass backboard sothat it will not obstruct the audience's view, although mostnon-professional backboards are made from opaque materials that mayobstruct the audience's view, such as goals at parks or on streets.

A basketball hoop 115 may be mounted to a basketball backboard 113 via aflexible connection between the backboard 113 and the anchor of the hoop115. The shock of a basket or a dunk may be absorbed by the connection,so that the rim 115 biases back to a horizontal position, e.g.orthogonal to the backboard 113.

The top of the hoop 115 may be 304.8 cm (10 feet) above the ground whenthe frame 101 is in the upright position. As such, the top of the hoop115 may be 304.8 cm (10 feet) from the bottom of the frame 101.Regulation backboards are 182.88 cm (72 inches) by 106.68 (42 inches)tall. The inner rectangle on the backboard is typically 60.96 (24inches) wide by 45.72 (18 inches) tall.

The frame 101 may include outer posts 102 a and 102 b. These outer posts102 a, 102 b may rest on the floor directly, or on adjustable feet 127 aand 127 b. These adjustable feet 127 a and 127 b may comprise a platformhaving a contained bolt head and a bolt extending orthogonallytherefrom. The bolt may screw into the respective outer post 102 a or102 b under which the platform rests. Thus, the platform may bepositioned at a predetermined distance from the end of the respectiveouter post 102 a or 102 b by operation of screwing the bolt in or out toincrease or decrease the thread engagement of the bolt and therespective outer post 102 a or 102 b. Considering the unillustratedframe behind frame 101, four outer posts may be present and may causethe frame to wobble if place on uneven flooring. Therefore, theadjustable feet 127 a and 127 b may be set at different respectivedistances from outer posts 102 a and 102 b such that contact is alwaysmade between adjustable feet 127 and the floor. Thus, the operation ofthe adjustable feet 127 a and 127 b may keep the frame 101 level, evenwhen the frame 101 rests on uneven ground.

The frame 101 may further include frame uppers 103 and 104. Frame upper103 may join the top of outer frame 102 a at a right or obtuse angle.Frame upper 103 may extend away from outer post 102 a to an apex 121.Frame upper 104 may also join frame upper 103 at the apex 121.Furthermore, frame upper 104 may extend away from the apex 121 at aright or obtuse angle with frame upper 103. Frame upper 104 may extendto outer post 102 b and may join the top of outer post 102 b at arestriction angle 123. The restriction angle 123 may be right or obtuseand may be important for restricting the height of the possible arc fora shooter to shoot a basketball into the hoop 115. In some embodiments,the restriction angle 123 may be 110.5 degrees from outer post 102 b toframe upper 104. Additional embodiments include the restriction angle123 of 120.5 degrees from outer post 102 b to frame upper 104.

In some embodiments, frame upper 103 may be split into two respectiveportions, frame upper 103 a and frame upper 103 b, respectively. In thisembodiment, frame upper 103 a may extend from the top of outer post 102a at a right angle or an obtuse angle from outer post 102 a. Frame upper103 a may extend to frame upper 103 b, and frame upper 103 b may extendto the apex 121. In addition, a top of internal post 125 may join at theconjunction of frame uppers 103 a and 103 b. Internal post 125 mayextend down to the ramp 117 or to the floor. Of course, additionalinternal posts could be added for additional support.

Additional embodiments include internal post 125 split into two joinableinternal posts 125 a and 125 b. In this embodiment, frame upper 103 aand 103 b and internal posts 125 a and 125 b are severable. This featuremay be helpful for transporting the frame 101, because frame 101 mayweigh over 1000 pounds when assembled. Internal posts 125 a and 125 bmay have alignable pre-cross-drilled holes that align when internalposts 125 a and 125 b rest on the ground or floor. Thus, bolts may beused to attached internal posts 125 a and 125 b lengthwise. Of course,some embodiments may use at least one bolt to secure 125 a to 125 b, andtherefore one bolt to secure 125 a′ to 125 b′. Other embodiments includeusing two or more bolts to secure 125 a to 125 b, and therefore twobolts to secure 125 a′ to 125 b′.

The frame 101 may also include support 119. Support 119 may extend froman intersection of the ramp 117 and the internal post 125 to outer post102 b at about goal height (e.g. a point beside the backboard 113).Alternatively, support 119 could extend to frame upper 103 b or frameupper 104. In additional embodiments, support 119 may extend from theapex 121 to the floor.

Any internal post 125 (or support 119, in embodiments wherein support119 extends to the floor) may include internal post feet 129, which aresimilar in all respects to post feet 127.

Ramp 117 may comprise any solid material sufficient to return a thrownbasketball down the ramp 117 to the shooting end of frame 101 by theoperation of gravity. In some embodiments, the ramp 117 may comprise apadding on the upper surface of the ramp 117. The ramp 117 may rest uponor may be integrally formed with an upper track 118 a and a lower track118 b. In some embodiments, upper track 118 a and lower track 118 bextend from outer post 102 b to outer post 102 a. However, embodimentsinclude the upper track 118 a and lower track 118 b extending from outerpost 102 b to internal post 125 b. In these embodiments, upper trackextension 132 and lower track extension 133 may extend from internalpost 125 a to outer post 102 a, respectively. In this manner, the frame101 may be completely severable along internal post 125, which may allowfor easier transport. Furthermore, the internal post 125 may be securedby assembly of bolts inserted through corresponding cross-drilled holesthrough internal post portions 125 a and 125 b. Upper track extension132 and lower track extension 133 may comprise similar materials to theframe 101. Upper track extension 132 and lower track extension 133 maybe formed such that the functions of upper track 118 a and lower track118 b may be performed, respectively. The lower track 118 b may supportthe weight of a padding of the ramp 117 and upper track 118 a may holdthe padding in position. Thus, upper track 118 a may be placed incontact with a side of the padding. Corresponding upper track 118 a′ maybe placed in contact with a side of the padding opposite upper track 118a. Furthermore, lower track 118 b may correspond with lower track 118 b′and lower track spans may extend from 118 b to 118 b′. The lower trackspans may comprise similar materials to that of the frame 101. Thenumber of lower track spans under the length of the ramp 117 may besufficient to keep the padding of the ramp 117 from sagging between thelower track spans. In some embodiments, the lower track span isorthogonal to both lower track 118 b and 118 b′. For example, a lowertrack span may span from lower track 118 b to 118 b′ near correspondingposts 102 b and 102 b′. Additional embodiments include two or more lowertrack spans extending from lower track 118 b to 118 b′. Similarly, oneor more lower track spans may extend orthogonally from lower trackextension 133 to lower track extension 133′. In some embodiments, two ormore lower track spans may extend from lower track extension 133 tolower track extension 133′ for additional support when extension 131 isfree-standing. The padding may comprise foam, high or low densitypolyethylene, polyurethane, or other materials sufficient to absorb theimpact of a thrown basketball such that the ball rolls down the ramp 117rather than bouncing off the ramp 117.

The frame 101 may be constructed of any material sufficiently rigid tosupport the weight of the frame 101 and the force of thrown basketballs.Example materials include metal, rigid plastics, fiberglass, etc. Theframe body may further comprise a goal housing 130 and an extension 131.In some embodiments, the goal housing 130 and extension 131 may beindependently free-standing.

Frame walls may extend along the sides of the ramp 117 from the shootingend to the goal end and may further extend 3.05 meters (10 feet) or moreorthogonally away from the ground, when positioned upright. The framewalls may be divided into sections by the formation of multipleperimeters of support beams around bounded wall areas. Wall areas abovethe ramp 117 may be spanned by a netting. This netting may comprise ropenets, webbing, cloth, or any other material sufficient to receive athrown basketball and guide the basketball down to the ramp 117 by theoperation of gravity.

The goal may be positioned 3.05 meters (10 feet) from the ground whenthe frame is positioned upright on the ground. The goal may also be 5.49meters (18 feet) or less from the shooting end of the frame. In thismanner, a shooter may stand outside the shooting end of the frame in theshooting area and may be positioned at 5.5 meters (18 feet) from thegoal, before shooting begins.

A footprint of the frame may be about 18.6 square meters (200 squarefeet) or less. The footprint means the area of floor space occupied bythe frame when the frame is positioned upright.

In certain embodiments, the top of the apex 121 may be 426.7 cm (168.0in.) from the floor. The top of the backboard 113 may be 381 cm (150.0in.) from the floor. Frame upper 104 may be 130.3 cm (51.3 in.). Frameupper 103 b may be 105.9 cm (41.7 in.) in length. Frame upper 103 a maybe 171.2 cm (67.4 in.) in length. Outer post 102 a may be 304.8 cm (120in.) in length. Inner support may be 374.1 cm (147.3 in.) in length. Thedistance from outer post 102 a to outer post 102 b may be 370.8 (146.0in.). The distance from outer post 102 a to internal post 125 may be157.5 (62 in.). The distance from internal post 125 to outer post 102 bmay be 213.4 cm (84 in.). Ramp 117, upper track 118 a, and lower track118 b may each be 362.2 cm (142.6 in.) in length. Upper track 118 a mayjoin outer post 102 b at 147.1 cm (57.9 in.) from the ground and mayjoin outer post 102 a at 78.7 cm (31.0 in.) from the ground.Furthermore, lower track 118 b may join outer post 102 b at 114.3 cm(45.9 in.) from the ground and outer post 102 a at 48.3 cm (19.0 in.)from the ground.

FIG. 2 illustrates an off-center view of the frame 101 from the shootingend 105, according to the principles of the present invention. Withrespect to the description of these figures, any element having a prime,such as 205 a′, corresponds to the similar nonprime element number, suchas 205 a. In FIG. 2, the prime and nonprime numbers represent similarcorresponding elements on the left wall 202′ and the right wall 202 ofthe frame, respectively.

Thus, the ramp 117 may span between the shooting end 105 and the goalend 107 of the frame 101. The ramp 117 may include a padding 200 formedaround a trench 201. The ramp 117 may extend from the goal end 107 tothe shooting end 105 of the frame 101. Furthermore, the ramp 117 may bepositioned lower at the shooting end 105 than the goal end 107. Thus,missed basketballs may land on the ramp 117 and roll back to theshooting end 105 by the operation of gravity. Furthermore, a basketballnet may extend from the hoop 115 to a junction with the trench 201, andthe trench 201 may extend from the junction to the shooting end 105 ofthe frame 101.

In some embodiments, a covering 211 may be positioned over the trench201, such that missed balls do not enter the trench 201 and made ballsremain in the trench 201. Thus, the covering 211 may comprise netting,glass, plastic, Plexiglas, or any other material capable of separatingbasketballs. In some embodiments, the covering 211 may be non-opaque toallow viewing the made basketballs. However, embodiments include opaquematerials for the covering 211. In many embodiments, the padding 200 issized such that the net, junction, and trench allow a basketball to passthrough the trench 201 under the covering 211 to the shooting end 105 ofthe frame 101 by the operation of gravity.

Trench 201 may be formed in the padding 200 by a padding floor 201 a andone or more padding walls 201 b and 201 c, wherein the padding walls 201b and 201 c extend orthogonally away from the padding floor 201 a. Insome embodiments, the height of the padding walls 201 b and 201 c issufficient to allow a corresponding basketball to roll down the trench.Thus, the height of padding walls 201 b and 201 c may be equal to orgreater than the diameter of the corresponding basketball. For example,the corresponding basketball may be a Men's basketball and the height ofthe padding walls 201 b and 201 c may be 24.1 cm or greater. Similarly,the distance between padding walls 201 b and 201 c may be sufficient toallow a corresponding basketball to roll down the trench 201. Forexample the distance between the padding walls 201 b and 201 c may be24.1 cm or greater.

As depicted in FIG. 2, hoop net 203 may be attached to hoop 115 and mayextend from hoop 115 to trench 201. In this manner, any shot basketballthat goes through the hoop may be transferred by hoop net 203 intotrench 201. Furthermore, non-opaque cover 211 may rest over trench 201such that missed basketball may not enter trench 201. Trench 201 maycontain a containment bar 215 at return hole 223 at the shooting end 105of the trench 201. Containment bar 215 may sufficiently block all or aportion of the end of trench 201 such that basketballs may not fall outof trench 201. However, containment bar 215 may be removable.

In some embodiments, the frame 101 may contain several nets 205 and 209configured to receive a missed basketball. For example, the nets 205 and209 may be configured to contain an errant ball within the frame 101 andto guide the ball to the padding 200 of the ramp 117. The ramp 117 maythen guide the ball to the shooting end of the frame 105 by theoperation of gravity.

In FIG. 2, nets 205′ are depicted on the left wall 202′. Although notillustrated here, right wall 202 may have corresponding nets 205. Thenets 205 may comprise any material sufficient to receive a thrownbasketball and to guide the ball to the padding 200. Example materialsfor the nets 205 and 209 include cloth, netting, webbing, padding,plastics, etc. Net 205 a may span from outer post 102 a to internal post125 and from upper track 118 a to frame upper 103 a. Net 205 b may spanfrom upper track 118 a to frame upper 103 b and from internal post 125to support 119. Net 205 c may span from support 119 to back wall 207 andfrom upper track 118 a to frame upper 104. In alternative embodiments,nets 205 b and 205 c may comprise a single continuous net. In theseembodiments, support 119 may be positioned outside or inside thecontinuous net. Alternatively, nets 205 b and 205 c may be shaped toconform to the corresponding areas formed by the embodiment of thesupport 119 that spans from the intersection of the ramp and internalpost 125 to the outer post 102 b. Of course, nets 205 may be connectedto the respective portions of the frame 101 by hooks, brads, bolts,screws, or any other connector.

Additionally, connector 220 may span from the apex 121 of the right wall202 to the apex 121′ of the left wall 202′. Furthermore, a restrictionnet 209 may span from the connector 220 to the back wall 207 and fromthe frame upper 104 to frame upper 104′. Back wall 207 may be connectedto the frame 101 by bolts, brads, glue, or other connectors. Restrictionnet 209 may comprise similar materials to net 205. Due to therestriction angle 123 between the restriction net 209 and back wall 207,certain shots have too much arc may be prevented from entering hoop 115.

Graphics walls 217 may span a perimeter around the outside of the frame101 below the ramp 117. For example, graphics walls 217 may comprise asolid material, such as Plexiglas, metal, plastic, carbon fiber, etc. Insome embodiments, the solid material may contain graphics. In theseembodiments, Dibond or similar materials may be used for the solidmaterial. Graphics walls 217 may be connected to the frame 101 by bolts,brads, glue, or other connectors. Back wall 207 may span the areabetween outer posts 102 b, 102 b′, net 209, and ramp 117. Back wall 207may comprise similar materials as the graphics walls 217. In someembodiments, back wall 207 may comprise a net similar to net 205.Additionally, graphics walls 217 may not necessarily cover the returnhole 223, return holes 221, or a speaker 219.

Speaker 219 may be positioned at the shooting end 105 of frame 101. Inthis manner, a shooter or barker may hear sounds played through thespeaker 219. The speaker 219 may play music, a buzzer, or other sounds.The speaker may be substantially similar to a Yamaha NS-IC600 WHspeaker, or any other speaker on the market. In some embodiments, thespeaker 219 is a 22.9 cm (9 inch) speaker.

In addition, a timing circuit (not illustrated) may be in electricalcommunication with the speaker. In this manner, a time may be set. Whena countdown of the time has started, the speaker may play music. Whenthe time elapses, the music may be stopped and a buzzer sounded. Ofcourse, the timing circuit and speaker may be in electricalcommunication with memory, a processor, a storage device, such as a harddrive, SD card, memory, etc., and/or a network interface. The storagedevice and/or memory may contain code that can be executed by theprocessor for the operation of the storage device, memory, networkadapter, user interface, and any other electrical component inelectrical communication therewith. The network interface may engage inelectrical communication with another computer or device on an internalnetwork or on the internet. In this manner, music for the speaker may beselected from an internal storage device or from the network orinternet. Additionally, each of these components may be in electricalcommunication with a power supply, such as a generator, a battery, or aplug for an electrical socket.

A user interface 225 may also be in electrical communication with thespeaker, timing circuit, power supply, and storage. The user interface225 may include buttons, slides, a touchscreen, or other controls. Thebarker or shooter may adjust the controls of the user interface 225 toreset or adjust the time, the music, the volume of the speaker, to soundthe buzzer, etc. In some embodiments, the user interface 225 may includean itouch or other electronic device capable of performing the functionsof the user interface 225.

The frame 101 may also include a front wall 213. The front wall 213 maybe configured to prevent padding 200 from sliding off ramp 117. However,front wall 213 may also include return holes 213 sized such that missedbasketballs that roll down the padding 200 may continue through eitherof the return holes 221. Front wall may also contain the return hole223. In some embodiments, front wall 213 contains a net or solidmaterial between return holes 223. The net may be similar to net 205 andthe solid material may be similar to the material used for the back wall207. In some embodiments, the height of the front wall 223 is 114.3 cm(45 in.) or less.

The backboard 115 may be mounted directly on the back wall 207 withbolts, hooks, or other connectors. In other embodiments, the backboard115 may be integrally formed with back wall 207. Additional embodimentsinclude a backboard support (not illustrated) which spans from outerpost 102 b to outer post 102 b′. The backboard support may be made ofsubstantially similar materials to that of the frame 101. The backboard113 may then be mounted on the backboard support by bolts, hooks, orother connectors. Alternatively, the backboard 113 may be integrallyformed with the backboard support.

FIG. 3 illustrates return arms 301 and 301′ of the frame 101 inaccordance with the principles of the present invention. Return arms 301and 301′ may be substantially similar in all respects. However, returnarms 301 and 301′ may connect to the frame 101 at differing return holes221. Return arms 301 and 301′ may comprise materials similar to theframe 101. Return arm 301 may include a left track 301 b and a righttrack 301 a. Return arm 301′ may include a left track 301 b′ and a righttrack 301 a′. Return arm 301 may connect with the return hole 221 suchthat a missed basketball may roll down the padding 200, out the returnhole 221, and over the return arm 301. Thus, the left and right tracks301 a and 301 b may connect to the bottom of return hole 221. Returnarms 301 and 301′ may be connected to the frame 101 by bolts, brads, orother connectors, such as rivets.

Return arm 301 may extend away from return hole 221 at a slight downwardslope, referred to as sloped portion 307. Return arm 301′ may alsoinclude a corresponding sloped portion 307′. Sloped portion 307 mayextend to level portion 309. In this manner, a missed basketball mayroll down padding 200, through return hole 221, down sloped portion 307,and may come to rest on level portion 309. Of course, return arm 301′may also comprise level portion 309′ extending away from sloped portion307′ in a manner similar to return arm 301. In some embodiments, slopedportion 307 may be 45.7 cm (18 in.) long. Additionally, level portion309 may be up to 259.1 cm (8 ft. 6 in.) long. Alternative embodimentsinclude return arms 301 and 301′ having only a level portion. In thisembodiment, the level portion may be the length of level portion 309 orthe length of level portion 309 and sloped portion 307.

Shooting area 303 may be used to refer to the general area betweenreturn arms 301 and 301′ and the shooting end 105 of the frame 101. Ofcourse, return arms 301 and 301′ may be supported. For example supports305 and 305′ may support return arms 301 and 301′ respectively. Support305 may extend from return arm 301 to the floor. Accordingly, supportarm 305′ may extend from return arm 301′ to the floor. In alternativeembodiments, supports 305 and 305′ may extend from return arms 301 and301′, respectively, to respective positions on the frame 101.

FIG. 4 depicts a block-level diagram of a method of playing thebasketball game according to the principles of the present invention.The steps for playing the basketball game, as described herein, may beperformed directly by the shooter, may be performed directly by thebarker, and/or may be performed by the barker and the shooter throughthe barker's instruction to the shooter. In some embodiments, thestructure as described in accordance with FIGS. 1-3 may be used inconjunction with one or more of the steps. Furthermore, a barker mayprovide instructions to a shooter. The barker may also ensure that theshooter does not cheat during the game. In some embodiments, the barkeris a person that operates the basketball game of the present invention.

In step 401, the barker may set a timer to a predetermined time, forexample, 25 seconds. In step 405, the barker may also place apredetermined number of basketballs at or near the shooting end of theframe 101. However, the frame 101 may be configured such that one ormore basketballs may be automatically placed at the shooting end of theframe 101. Therefore, the barker may merely ensure that thepredetermined number of basketballs are available at the shooting end ofthe frame 101. As explained above, the shooting end of the frame 101 maycomprise one or more return arms 301. Therefore, the basketballs may beautomatically positioned and/or placed onto the return arms 301 by thebarker. In some embodiments of the game, up to 10 basketballs may beplaced at the shooting end of the frame 101.

In step 403, the barker may instruct the shooter to stand in a firstposition before the game begins. For example, the first position may bebeside one of the return arms within the shooting area 303.Alternatively, the first position may be in the center of the shootingarea. The shooter may be positioned a predetermined distance from thegoal. For example, the shooter may be positioned 5.49 meters (18 feet)from the goal 111. In some embodiments, the first position may be besidethe first return arm and within the shooting area. Throughout the game,the shooter may be moved to a predetermined number of secondarypositions, such as to the center of the shooter area and then beside theright return arm 301.

While the shooter is positioned in the first position after step 411,the music may be started and the timer may be started in steps 407 and409, respectively. For example, the timer may be set for 25 seconds. Theshooter may then shoot a predetermined number of basketballs at the goal111, e.g. five basketballs, ten basketball, or all the basketballs. Theshooter may then move to a second position beside the second return arm301′. The shooter may shoot a predetermined number of basketballs at thegoal 111 from the second position, e.g. five, ten, or all the remainingbasketballs. Of course, the shooter may perform the steps above startingby shooting at the second return arm 301′ and then shooting at the firstreturn arm 301.

Once the timer reaches zero, a buzzer may sound and/or the music may bestopped, as in step 413. The shooter may then stop shooting basketballseven if less than one or more of the predetermined number of basketballshave been shot (e.g. the predetermined number of basketballs from one ormore positions). The missed basketballs may be guided by the nets 205and 209 and padding 200 back to the return arms of the frame. However,the made basketballs may be guided by the basketball hoop net 203 to thescore viewing area (e.g. the trench 201) of the frame 101.

In step 415, the basketballs may be counted to determine the scoreobtained by the shooter during the game. For example, each basketballmay be counted as a single point. However, in other embodiments, thebasketballs may be worth differing amounts of points. For example, thebasketballs could be differentiated by color, color combinations, orother markings. As such, a basket made with a typical basketball may beworth one point, a money ball may be worth two points, and a super moneyball may be worth three point. In this embodiment, an orange ball may beworth one point, a green ball may be worth two points, and a red, white,and blue ball may be worth three points. Some embodiments may includesix orange basketballs, three green basketballs, and one red/white/bluebasketball. Accordingly, other embodiments may include six typicalballs, three money balls, and one super money ball, wherein alternatedifferentiating color schemes may be used.

Based on the number of pointers earned by the shooter, prizes may beawarded in step 417. For example, 0-4 points may not necessarily receivea prize. Shooters earning five to nine points may earn a small prize.Shooters earning ten to 14 points may earn a medium prize. Shootersearning 15 points may win a grand prize.

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled inthe art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Variousmodifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may beapplied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to belimited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the fullscope consistent with each claim's language, wherein reference to anelement in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one”unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structuraland functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodimentsdescribed throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to beknown to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporatedherein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims.Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to thepublic regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited inthe claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recitedusing the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, theelement is recited using the phrase “step for.”

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present inventionmay be embodied as a method, system, or computer program product.Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore,the present invention may take the form of a computer program product ona computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program codeembodied in the medium.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and“comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but donot preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Aspects ofthe invention were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A basketball game structure, comprising: a framecomprising a goal end comprising a basketball goal with a backboard anda hoop, the basketball goal positioned over a ramp, a shooting endopposite the goal end, and the ramp comprising a padding formed around alengthwise trench of the ramp, the ramp extending from the goal end tothe shooting end and positioned at a lower height at the shooting endthan a height of the ramp at the goal end; wherein a basketball netextends from the hoop to a junction with the lengthwise trench; andwherein the lengthwise trench extends from the junction to the shootingend of the frame.
 2. The basketball game structure of claim 1, furthercomprising: a non-opaque covering positioned to cover the lengthwisetrench; and wherein the padding is sized such that the net, junction,and lengthwise trench allow a basketball to pass through the lengthwisetrench under the non-opaque covering to the shooting end by gravity. 3.The basketball game structure of claim 1, wherein a footprint of theframe is about 18.6 square meters or less.
 4. The basketball gamestructure of claim 2, further comprising: a return hole positioned atthe shooting end of the frame and positioned at a height such that abasketball could roll down the ramp and through the return hole.
 5. Thebasketball game structure of claim 4, wherein two return holes arepositioned at the shooting end of the frame.
 6. The basketball gamestructure of claim 4, wherein a return arm extends from beneath thereturn hole and away from the frame.
 7. The basketball game structure ofclaim 5, wherein two return arms extend from beneath respective returnholes and away from the frame.
 8. The basketball game structure of claim6, wherein the return arm comprises a slanted portion extending from theframe to a level portion, and wherein the level portion is at a lowerheight than the return hole.
 9. The basketball game structure of claim1, further comprising: a predetermined number of basketballs, whereinthe predetermined number of basketballs comprises at least onebasketball of a first color and at least one basketball of a secondcolor.
 10. A method of playing a basketball game, comprising: providinga predetermined number of basketballs; receiving at least one basketballin a frame; and separating a made basketball by rolling the madebasketball through a net extending from a hoop to a trench of a ramp androlling the made basketball through the trench, wherein the trench has anon-opaque covering to maintain the separation of made basketballs andmissed basketballs.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:rolling a missed basketball down the ramp padding and then through areturn hole, wherein the missed basketball does not pass through thehoop.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: receiving thepredetermined number of basketballs in the frame.
 13. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising: allowing a predetermined amount of timefor receiving the predetermined number of basketballs.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising: playing music through a speaker of theframe as the predetermined amount of time lapses.
 15. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the predetermined number of basketballs is tenbasketballs.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the predeterminednumber of basketballs comprises at least one first basketball of a firstcolor and at least one second basketball of a second color, wherein eachcolor may comprise a single color or a combination of colors.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the predetermined number of basketballsfurther comprises at least one third basketball, wherein the thirdbasketball is of a third color.
 18. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising allotting a first number of points to basketballs of thefirst color that pass through the hoop and allotting a second number ofpoints to basketballs of the second color that pass through the hoop.19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: totaling the score andoffering a prize if the score meets or exceeds a predetermined number.20. A basketball game structure comprising: an extension comprising aright extension wall and a left extension wall connected by at least onespan extending between the right extension wall and the left extensionwall; wherein the right extension wall comprises: a first outer post anda first internal post; a first upper track extension connected to thefirst outer post at a first height and the first upper track extensionconnected to the first internal post at a second height; a first lowertrack extension connected to the first outer post at a third height andthe first lower track extension connected to the first internal post ata fourth height; wherein the second height is greater than the firstheight; wherein the fourth height is greater than the third height;wherein the left extension wall comprises: a second outer post and asecond internal post; a second upper track extension connected to thesecond outer post at fifth height and the second upper track extensionconnected to the second internal post at a sixth height; a second lowertrack extension connected to the second outer post at a seventh heightand the second lower track extension connected to the second internalpost at an eighth height; wherein the sixth height is greater than thefifth height; and wherein the eighth height is greater than the seventhheight; a goal housing comprising a right wall and a left wall connectedby at least one span extending between the right wall and the left wall;wherein the right wall comprises: a third outer post and a thirdinternal post; a first upper track connected to the third outer post ata tenth height and the first upper track connected to the third innerpost at a ninth height; a first lower track connected to the third outerpost at a twelfth height and the first lower track connected to thethird inner post at an eleventh height; wherein the tenth height isgreater than the ninth height; wherein the twelfth height is greaterthan the eleventh height; wherein the left wall comprises: a fourthouter post and a fourth internal post; a second upper track connected tothe fourth outer post at a fourteenth height and the second upper trackconnected to the fourth internal post at a thirteenth height; a secondlower track connected to the fourth outer post at a sixteenth height andthe second lower track connected to the fourth internal post at afifteenth height; wherein the fourteenth height is greater than thethirteenth height; and wherein the sixteenth height is greater than thefifteenth height; and a basketball goal comprising a hoop and abackboard secured between the third outer post and the fourth outer postat a seventeenth height, wherein the seventeenth height is greater thanthe tenth height; a ramp comprising a padding formed around a lengthwisetrench of the ramp, wherein a length of the ramp is about or less than acombined length of the first upper track and the first upper trackextension; wherein the at least one span connecting the right wall andthe left wall is at least a width of the ramp; and wherein the at leastone span connecting the right extension wall and the left extension wallis at least the width of the ramp; a non-opaque covering that is sizedto cover the length of the lengthwise trench; and a net sized to extendfrom the hoop to at least the tenth height.